World Cup returns to Lake Louise

The Canadian women will be looking for a little home hill support when they take on the world at the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup, which features both downhill and super-G races  the only World Cup races being held in Canada in the 2001-2002 season.

The womens team had an exceptional year last year with six podium finishes and numerous top 10 and top 15 performances. Melanie Turgeon of Quebec leads the way with seven podium finishes in the past two years, followed by Nanaimos Allison Forsyth with three medals. Emily Brydon of Fernie was off to a promising start until she sustained a knee injury racing a downhill in Austria, but she will be back this year. Other promising women include Sara-Maude Boucher, Anne-Marie Lefrancois, Anna Prchal, Elizabeth Richardson and Whistlers own Britt Janyk.

Winterstart begins on Nov. 26 with the first of three downhill training runs. The bib draw takes place on Nov. 29, and the actual downhill race will take place on Friday, Nov. 30.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, there will be a womens World Cup Super-G.

If you can make it to Lake Louise to support the team, call 403-777-3653.